Receptacle and container formed therewith

ABSTRACT

A receptacle and a container formed therewith. The receptacle includes a bottom wall; a side wall and a rim extending laterally outwardly from the side wall. At least locking member is integrally formed with the rim and is selectively deflectable or oriented at an angle relative to an imaginary plane along which the rim extends. The locking members are a plurality of tabs that alternating with spaces defined the rim. In one embodiment, two identical receptacles form a container by inverting one receptacle relative to the other, deflecting the tabs through complementary spaces defined in the rim of the other receptacle, thereby interlocking the two receptacles together. In another embodiment, the receptacle includes a folding axis allowing first and second halves of the receptacle to be folded relative to each other. The tabs are deflected through complementary spaces defined in the opposing half, thereby interlocking the two halves together.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to a receptacle formed of a paper or plastic material which is suitable for holding a quantity of food or another article or object thereon. Specifically, the receptacle includes a rim having a plurality of radially-extending locking members. Two substantially identical receptacles in accordance with the disclosure are able to be placed with their rims opposed to one another and the locking members of the two receptacles are interlocked to form the two receptacles into a closed container. Alternatively, a single receptacle in accordance with the disclosure is folded in half and the locking members on the upper and lower halves are interlocked to form the single receptacle into a closed container.

BACKGROUND Background Information

Disposable plates made of paper or plastic are convenient for use at various functions as they make clean-up after an event very simple. However, if guests wants to take food home after such an event or if the host wishes to store left-over food for later consumption, they cannot use the disposable plates for this purpose unless aluminum foil or plastic wrap is available. If such foil or plastic wrap is not available, then any food remaining on a receptacle must either be thrown away or transferred into a different separate closeable container for transport or storage.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a receptacle that is suitable for use at an event for holding a quantity of food and which is also suitable to form a closeable container for transport or storage of left-over foods. In particular, the receptacle is a plate, particularly a disposable plate made of paper or plastic. The receptacle of the present disclosure is also suitable for holding and articles or objects other than food and is suitable to form a reversibly closeable container for storage of those other articles or objects. So, while the description herein discusses a disposable plate used to hold and transport food, it should be understood that the receptacle in accordance with the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration of disposable plate disclosed herein nor to the specific use of the disposable plate discussed herein.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a receptacle comprising a bottom wall; a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall; a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper region of the side wall and oriented along an imaginary plane; at least locking member integrally formed with the rim; and wherein the at least one locking member is selectively deflectable relative to the imaginary plane.

In one embodiment, the at least one locking member may extend radially outwardly from the side wall. In at least one embodiment, the least one locking may be is selectively deflectable about an axis oriented at right angles relative to a radius extending outwardly from a center point of the bottom wall. In one embodiment, an upper surface of the at least one locking member may initially be aligned with an upper surface of a remaining portion of the rim and is selectively deflectable upwardly or downwardly at an angle relative to the upper surface of the remaining portion of the rim. In one embodiment, the at least one locking member may be deflectable from a first position wherein the at least one locking member is aligned with a remaining portion of the rim to a second position wherein the at least one locking member is located in a different plane relative to the remaining portion of the rim. In one embodiment, the rim may have a circumferential outer edge that circumscribes the upper region of the side wall, and wherein the at least one locking member is located inwardly of the circumferential outer edge. In one embodiment, the rim may have a circumferential outer edge that circumscribes the upper region of the side wall, and wherein the at least one locking member extends radially outwardly away from the circumferential outer edge of the rim.

In one embodiment, the at least one locking member may comprise a tab that is formed as an integral part of the rim, and the tab has a first side edge, a second side edge, and a free end extending between the first and second side edges; and wherein the free end forms part of a circumferential outer edge of the rim. In one embodiment, the at least one locking member may comprise a first tab having a first side edge and a second side edge that flare outwardly away from one another moving in a direction radially outwardly away from the center point of the bottom wall; and a second tab having a first side edge and a second side edge that taper inwardly towards one another moving in a direction radially outwardly away from the center point of the bottom wall. In one embodiment, the at least locking member may comprise a first tab and a second tab integrally formed in the rim, wherein the first tab and second tab are of different configurations relative to one another. In one embodiment, deflecting the first tab creates a first space in the rim, and the second tab is sized to be received through the first space. In one embodiment, deflecting the second tab creates a second space in the rim, and the first tab is sized to be received through the second space. In one embodiment, the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of tabs; and a space may be defined in the rim between adjacent tabs of the plurality of tabs. In one embodiment, the receptacle may be foldable about a folding axis that extends through the center point of the bottom wall. In one embodiment, the at least one locking member may be receivable through a complementary space defined in the rim when the receptacle is folded about the folding axis.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a receptacle comprising a bottom wall; a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall; a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper region of the side wall and along an imaginary plane; at least one locking member integrally formed with the rim and extending radially outwardly from a center point of the bottom wall; wherein the at least one locking member is oriented at an angle relative to the imaginary plane.

In one embodiment, the at least one locking member may comprises a plurality of tabs, and a space is defined between adjacent tabs of the plurality of tabs. In one embodiment, the space may be complementary in circumferential width to a width of at least one tab of the plurality of tabs. In one embodiment, the rim may include a plurality of locking members and a plurality of spaces, and wherein the locking members of the plurality of locking members may alternate around the rim with the spaces of the plurality of spaces.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a container for holding an article, said container comprising a first receptacle and a second receptacle that are substantially identical in configuration, wherein each of the first receptacle and the second receptacle includes a bottom wall; a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall; a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper region of the side wall and oriented along an imaginary plane; at least locking member integrally formed with the rim; at least one space defined in the rim; wherein the at least one locking member is selectively deflectable relative to the imaginary plane; and wherein the second receptacle is inverted relative to the first receptacle such that the rim of the first receptacle is adjacent the rim of the second receptacle; and wherein the at least one locking member on the first receptacle is selectively deflected relative to the imaginary plane of the rim of the first receptacle and is received in the at least one space defined in the rim of the second receptacle, thereby reversibly interlocking the first receptacle and the second receptacle to one another.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a container for holding an article, said container comprising a receptacle including a bottom wall; a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall; a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper region of the side wall and oriented along an imaginary plane; at least locking member integrally formed with the rim; at least one space defined in the rim; a folding axis provided in at least the bottom wall; wherein the receptacle is foldable about the folding axis, such that a first part of the receptacle is inverted and located vertically above a second part of the receptacle, wherein the rim of the first part of the receptacle is adjacent the rim of the second part of the receptacle; and wherein the at least one locking member on the first part of the receptacle is selectively deflected relative to the imaginary plane of the rim of the first part and is received in the at least one space defined in the rim of the second part of the receptacle, thereby reversibly interlocking the first part and the second part of the receptacle to one another.

In one embodiment the folding axis may pass through a center point of the bottom wall; such that first part of the receptacle is a first half of the receptacle and the second part of the receptacle is a second half of the receptacle. In one embodiment the at least one locking member on the first part includes at least one flange that overlaps a portion of the rim of the second part when the at least one locking member is received in the at least one space defined in the rim of the second part.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of forming a storage container, comprising steps of providing a first receptacle and a second receptacle that are substantially identical, wherein each of the first receptacle and second receptacle includes a bottom wall; a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall; a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper region of the side wall and oriented along an imaginary plane; at least locking member integrally formed with the rim; and at least one space defined in the rim; inverting the second receptacle over the first receptacle; placing a portion of the rim of the second receptacle adjacent the rim of the first receptacle; engaging the at least one locking member of the second receptacle into the at least one space of the first receptacle; and reversibly interlocking the first receptacle and second receptacle to one another.

In one embodiment, the method may include orienting the at least one locking member at an angle to an imaginary plane along with the rim extends. In one embodiment, the method may include deflecting the at least one locking member from a first position where the least one locking member is aligned along the imaginary plane to a second position where the least one locking member is oriented at an angle relative to the imaginary plane. In one embodiment, the defining of at least one space in the rim includes deflecting the at least tab out of alignment with a remaining portion of the rim and the at least one space comprises a gap in the remaining portion of the rim from which the at least one tab was deflected.

In one embodiment, the method may include providing a flange on the at least one locking member of the second receptacle; overlapping the flange of the at least one locking member of the second receptacle with a portion of the rim of the first receptacle; and preventing movement of the at least one locking member of the second receptacle back through the at least one space on the first receptacle with the flange. In one embodiment, the reversibly interlocking the first receptacle and second receptacle to one another further comprises engaging the at least one locking member of the first receptacle into the at least one space of the second receptacle; providing a flange on the at least one locking member of the first receptacle; overlapping the flange of the at least one locking member of the first receptacle with a portion of the rim of the second receptacle; and preventing movement of the at least one locking member of the first receptacle back through the at least one space on the second receptacle with the flange.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of forming a storage container, comprising steps of providing a receptacle including a bottom wall; a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall; a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper region of the side wall and oriented along an imaginary plane; at least locking member integrally formed with the rim; and at least one space defined in the rim; folding the receptacle about a folding axis; placing a portion of the rim of a first half of the receptacle adjacent a portion of the rim of a second half of the receptacle; engaging the at least one locking member on the rim of the first half into the at least one space defined in the rim of the second half; reversibly interlocking the first half and the second half of the receptacle to one another; and reversibly forming the storage container from the first half and second half of the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Sample embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description, are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a receptacle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the receptacle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a side elevation view of the receptacle similar to FIG. 2 and showing a first tab angling upwardly out of an imaginary plane “A” and a second tab angling downwardly out of the imaginary plane “A”;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 1 holding a quantity of food on the receptacle's upper surface;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 4 being covered with an inverted second receptacle;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the receptacles of FIG. 5 showing the locking tabs formed on the two receptacles beginning to be interlocked with one another;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top perspective view of the highlighted region shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the receptacles of FIG. 6 where all of the locking tabs on the two receptacles have been interlocked with one another and, together the interlocked two receptacles form an enclosed container for carrying food therein;

FIG. 9 is top perspective view of a second embodiment of the receptacle in accordance with the present disclosure shown with a quantity of food on the receptacle's top surface;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 9 showing a first portion of the receptacle being folded about a line a weakness and over a second portion of the receptacle and covering the quantity of food retained on the second portion of the receptacle;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 10 where the first portion fully covers the second portion of the receptacle and the locking members on the first portion of the receptacle are interlocked with the locking members on the second portion of the receptacle;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged top perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the receptacle of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure showing a second version of the locking tabs provided on the peripheral edge of the receptacle;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure showing a third version of the locking tabs provided on the peripheral edge of the receptacle;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure showing a fourth version of the locking tabs provided on the peripheral edge of the receptacle;

FIG. 17A is a top perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 17 showing a first portion of the receptacle being folded about a line a weakness and over a second portion of the receptacle and the first and second portions of the receptacle being interlocked with one another;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a seventh embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure showing a fifth version of the locking tabs provided on the peripheral edge of the receptacle;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of a closed container formed with two of the receptacles illustrated in FIG. 18.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, there is shown a receptacle in accordance with the present disclosure, generally indicated at 10. Plate 10 is configured as a plate, particularly a disposable plate fabricated from paper or plastic. However, the terms “receptacle” or “plate” as used herein should be understood to represent any type of article capable of holding an object therein or thereon that is able, in accordance with this disclosure, to be configured as a closeable container. In particular, the “receptacle” or “plate” is described herein as holding a quantity of food therein or thereon but it should be understood that the food is representative of any other materials or articles that are desired to be held in or on a receptacle or a container.

Plate 10 comprises a body having a bottom wall 12, a side wall 14, and a rim 16 that extends laterally outwardly away from the side wall 14. Plate 10 is described and illustrated herein as being generally circular in configuration when viewed from above. Bottom wall 12 is circular in shape, side wall 14 is an annular ring that extends upwardly and outwardly from bottom wall, and rim 16 is an annular ring that extends laterally outwardly from an upper end of side wall 14. It should be understood, however, that plate 10 may be of any other desired shape. For example, plate 10 may be rectangular, triangular, square, irregular, or of any other desired configuration and in these instances, the bottom wall, side wall, and rim will be configured accordingly.

Plate 10 is contemplated to be a disposable container that is used once and then thrown away or recycled. Plate 10 may therefore be molded or formed from material suitable for such purposes. Suitable materials include paper and food-grade plastics. It will be understood, however, that in other embodiments, plate 10 may be a reusable container and may be formed from suitable materials for reuse. For example, plate 10 may be molded from plastic or metal. Plate 10 may be fabricated from any desired material and may be used once or more than once.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, plate 10 will be described in greater detail. As mentioned earlier, plate 10 has a bottom wall 12. Bottom wall 12 has an upper surface 12 a, an opposed lower surface 12 b and an outer perimeter 12 c. Outer perimeter 12 c is concentric about a center point “CP”.

Side wall 14 extends upwardly away from the outer perimeter 12 c of bottom wall 12. Side wall 14 has an inner surface 14 a and an opposed outer surface 14 b. Inner surface 14 a is substantially continuous with upper surface 12 a of bottom wall 12 and outer surface 14 b is substantially continuous with lower surface 12 b of bottom wall 12. Peripheral wall 14 has an outer perimeter 14 c that is concentric with outer perimeter 12 c of bottom wall 12. Side wall 14 is illustrated as being oriented at an angle α (FIG. 3) relative to upper surface 12 a of bottom wall 12. Angle α is illustrated as being an obtuse angle (i.e., greater than 90 degrees). In other embodiments (not shown herein), angle α may be 90 degrees or less than 90 degrees.

Rim 16 extends laterally outwardly away from outer perimeter 14 c of side wall 14. As illustrated in FIG. 2, rim 16 is oriented substantially parallel to bottom wall 12 and extends along an imaginary plane “A”. Rim 16 is oriented at an angle β (FIG. 3) relative to side wall 14. Angle β is illustrated as an obtuse angle but it will be understood that rim 16 may be oriented 90 degrees relative to side wall 14 or at less than 90 degrees relative to side wall 14, depending on the configuration of plate 10.

Rim 16 has an upper surface 16 a and a lower surface 16 b and terminates in an outer edge 16 c. Rim 16 is an annular ring that is concentric with outer perimeter 14 c of side wall 14 and therefore is also concentric with outer perimeter 12 c of bottom wall 12 center point “CP”. Bottom wall 12 and side wall 14 bound and define an interior region 18 that is capable of holding a quantity of food 20, such as is illustrated in FIG. 4.

Plate 10 is illustrated to be approximately a dinner-plate in size but it will be understood that plate 10 may be fabricated to be smaller or larger than dinner-plate sized. Additionally, side wall 14 is illustrated as being of a particular overall height measured from where side wall 14 extends outwardly from bottom wall 12 and where side wall 14 joins rim 16. Additionally, side wall 14 is illustrated as being oriented at a particular angle α relative to bottom wall 12 and at another particular angle β relative to rim 16. It will be understood that the dimensions of side wall 14 and the angular orientation of side wall 14 may be other than are illustrated in the attached figures. In other words, side wall 14 may be of a smaller height or of a larger height that illustrated in the attached figures. Additionally, side wall 14 may be oriented at other different angles (smaller or larger) relative to bottom wall 12 and relative to rim 16. Rim 16 is illustrated in the attached figures as being of a particular length measured between outer perimeter 14 c of side wall 14 and outer edge 16 c. It will be understood that in other embodiments, rim 16 may be of a smaller length or of a greater length.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of cuts is made in rim 16. In particular, a series of first cuts 24 and a series of second cuts 26 are made in rim 16. Each first cut 24 originates in outer edge 16 c and extends inwardly at a first angle from outer edge 16 c and towards outer perimeter 14 c of side wall 14. Each first cut 24 does not extend all the way to outer perimeter 14 c but instead terminates a distance away from outer perimeter 14 c. First cuts 24 are all oriented at the same first angle relative to outer edge 16 c and the first cuts 24 are spaced at regular intervals away from each other around the annular rim 16. This will be discussed further below.

Each second cut 26 originates in outer edge 16 c and extends inwardly at a second angle from outer edge 16 c and towards outer perimeter 14 c of side wall 14. Each second cut 26 does not extend all the way to outer perimeter 14 c but instead terminates a distance away from outer perimeter 14 c. Second cuts 26 are all oriented at the same second angle relative to outer edge 16 c and the second cuts 26 are spaced at regular intervals away from each other around the annular rim 16. As will be evident from FIG. 1, each second cut 26 is interposed between two adjacent first cuts 24. The alternating differently-angled first cuts 24 and second cuts 26 circumscribe bottom wall 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the angle between a first cut 24 and an adjacent second cut 26 which flare outwardly away from one another in a direction moving toward the outer edge of rim 16 is indicated as the angle ⊖. The figure also shows the angle between a first cut 24 and an adjacent second cut 26 which taper inwardly towards one another in a direction moving toward the outer edge of rim 16 is indicated as the angle ψ. In one embodiment, the angle α is about 40 degrees and the angle L is about 16 degrees. It should be understood, however, that the angle ⊖ and angle ψ may be other than 40 degrees and 16 degrees, respectively. The angle ⊖ and the angle ψ selected for any particular plate 10 will be based on the thickness and hardness of the material selected to fabricate plate 10.

In one embodiment, another variable that may be of importance is the distance between the termination points of adjacent cuts 24, 26. FIG. 1 identifies the distance between termination points of adjacent cuts 24, 26 as “L”. In this embodiment the distance “L” between adjacent cuts 24, 26 remains substantially constant around the entire circumference of rim 16.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, plate 10 is provided with a plurality of locking members that are selectively used to secure two substantially identical places to one another (as will be described later herein) or that are used to selectively used to secure two halves of the plate to each other (as will be later described herein). The locking members take the form of a plurality of tabs and a plurality of complementary spaces that are provided on rim 16. The plurality of tabs is integrally formed with the rim 16 and, in plate 10, circumscribes the outer perimeter 14 c of side wall 14. Each of the tabs of the plurality of tabs is selectively movable out of the imaginary plane “A”, as will be described later herein. In particular, the plurality of tabs which comprise the locking members includes a plurality of first tabs 28 and a plurality of second tabs 30. In other words the first tab 28 comprises a region of the rim located between a first cut 24 and a second cut 26, where the first and second cuts flare outwardly away from each other moving in a direction away from the perimeter 14 c and towards the outer edge 16 c of the rim 16. Each second tab 30 comprises a region of rim 16 located between a first cut 24 and a second cut 26, where the first and second cuts taper inwardly towards each other moving in the direction away from the perimeter 14 c and towards the outer edge 16 c. As is most evident from FIG. 1, the first tabs 28 and second tabs 30 alternate with each other moving around rim 16. Each first tab 28 and each second tab 30 is integral with rim 16 and extends radially outwardly away from side wall 14. In other words, each first tab 28 is aligned along a radius extending outwardly from the center point “CP” of the bottom wall 12. Each second tab 30 is aligned along a different radius extending outwardly from the center point “CP” of the bottom wall 12.

Initially, each of the first tabs 28 and second tabs 30 are aligned with the rest of the rim 16. In other words, an upper surface of each of the first tabs 28 and each of the second tabs 30 is aligned in a same plane, (e.g. imaginary plane “A”) as an upper surface of a remaining portion of the rim 16. When first tabs 28 and second tabs 30 are to be utilized as locking members, as will be described in further detail hereafter, first tabs 28 and second tabs 30 may be deflected to a second position relative to their initial position. In this second position, first tabs 28 and second tabs 30 are no longer in the same plane “A” as the remaining portion of the rim 16. Instead, first tabs 28 and second tabs 30 are oriented at an angle relative to the remaining portion of the rim 16 and are in a different plane relative thereto. Furthermore, when the first tabs 28 and second tabs 30 are so deflected, a gap or space becomes defined in the remaining portion of the rim 16 from which the first tab 28 or second tab 30 was deflected.

In other words, each of the first tabs 28 and each of the second tabs 30 is selectively deflectable out of the imaginary plane “A” and when deflected, a space opens up in the remaining portion of the rim 16. This is illustrated in FIG. 2A. A user may push each of the first tabs 28 upwardly, pivoting the first tab 28 out of alignment with imaginary plane “A”. The first tab 28 will be deflected about an axis “B” which extends between the innermost ends of the first cut 24 and second cut 26 that define that first tab 28. In other words, each first tab 28 is pivoted about the axis “B”, where the axis “B” is oriented at right angles to a first radius of the bottom wall 12. The first radius of the bottom wall originates at the center point “CP” and extends radially outwardly therefrom.

In a similar fashion, a user may push each of the second tabs 30 downwardly, pivoting that second tab 30 out of alignment with imaginary plane “A” and opening a space in the remaining portion of the rim 16 by doing so. The second tab 30 will deflect about an axis “B1” extending between the innermost ends of the first cut 24 and second cut 26 that define the second tab 30. In other words, each second tab 28 is pivotable about the axis “B1”, where the axis “B1” is oriented at right angles to a second radius of the bottom wall 12. The second radius originates at the center point “CP” of the bottom wall and is angularly displaced relative to the first radius. The second radius extends radially outwardly from the center point “CP”.

It will be understood that instead of deflecting first tabs 28 upwardly about the axis “B” and the second tabs 30 downwardly about the axis “B1”, the exact opposite may occur, i.e., the first tabs 28 may be deflected downwardly about the axis “B” and the second tabs 30 may be deflected upwardly about the axis “B1”.

It will be understood that plate 10 is designed to carry a quantity of food 20 thereon. The section of the rim 16 which extends between the innermost ends of the various first cuts 24 and second cuts 26 and the perimeter 14 c is sufficiently long enough and strong enough for a person to grip the plate 10. In other words, enough rim 16 remains between the first tabs 28 and second tabs 30 that the person does not have to grip the tabs 28, 30 instead of the rim 16. If the person had to grip the tabs 28, 30, the gripped tab 28, 30 might inadvertently pivot about the associated axis “B” or “B1”, tipping the plate 10 and potentially dropping food 20 therefrom.

As shown in FIG. 4, plate 10 is able to be used in substantially the same manner as any other known receptacle. Food 20 may be placed on the upper surface 12 a of the bottom wall 12 and the person may then eat food 20 off plate 10. Plate 10 differs from previously known receptacles in that plate 10 is able to be utilized as part of a closed container for holding and storing left-over food 20. This is illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8. The container 50 (FIG. 8) is formed by utilizing two identical receptacles in accordance with the present disclosure. The second receptacle is identified in FIGS. 5 through 8 by the reference character 10A. Plate 10 and second plate 10A together form container 50.

Second plate 10A is identical in every way to plate 10 and therefore will not be described in further detail herein except to state that plate 10A comprises a bottom wall 12A, a side wall 14A, and a rim 16A. Rim 16A includes first cuts 24A and second cuts 26A that, together, defines an alternating series of first tabs 28A and second tabs 28B.

When the person wishes to form container 50, second plate 10A is inverted and placed on top of plate 10A such that the rim 16A abuts the rim 16. Although not illustrated herein, it will be understood that the compartments 18 of the two receptacles 10, 10A will be placed in communication with one another to form one enlarged chamber that is bounded and defined by the opposed bottom walls 12, 12A and the opposed side walls 14, 14A. The food 20 will be retained within this enlarged chamber.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the plate 10 and second plate 10A are interlockingly engaged with one another so that second plate 10A is not able to accidentally move from its abutting contact with plate 10. First tabs 28 and second tabs 30 on plate 10 are interlockingly engaged with second tabs 30A and first tabs 28A, respectively, of second plate 10A to secure plate 10 and second plate 10A to one another. This interlocking engagement is preceded by aligning the first tabs 28A on the second plate 10A with the second tabs 30 on plate 10 and by aligning the second tabs 30A on the second plate 10A with the first tabs 28 on plate 10. The person can make this alignment between the tabs 28A and 30 and tabs 30A and 28 simply by rotating second plate 10A relative to first plate 10 about a longitudinal axis passing through the center point “CP” of second plate 10A.

Once each first tab 28A of second plate 10A is generally aligned with an associated second tab 30 of plate 10 and each second tab 30A is generally aligned with an associated first tab 28 of plate 10, then the aligned pairs of tabs 28A, 30 and 30A, 28 are moved in unison relative to imaginary plane “A” to interlockingly engage the aligned pairs of tabs with one another. The pairs of aligned tabs 28A, 30, for example, are pushed downwardly in a direction “C” (FIG. 7) and are thereby caused to pivot and extend downwardly at an angle relative to the imaginary plane “A”. As aligned tabs 28A 30 move downwardly, first tab 28A will pass through the space defined by second tab 30 being deflected out of the imaginary plane along with the rim 16 of the plate 10 extends. Similarly, the aligned tabs 30A, 28 may be pushed upwardly in a direction “D” (FIG. 7) and are thereby caused to pivot and extend upwardly at an angle relative to the imaginary plane “A”. As aligned tabs 30A, 28 move upwardly, the first tab 28 moves through the space in rim 16 that opens up because second tab 30A has been deflected out of the imaginary plane along which the rim of second plate 10A extends. The aligned pairs of tabs 28A, 30 that are pushed downwardly are referred to herein as “lowered” tabs and the aligned pairs of tabs 30A, 28 that are pushed upwardly are referred to herein as “raised” tabs.

Since the first cuts 24 and second cuts 26 on both receptacles 10, 10A are oriented in opposite directions to one another, there is not a perfect alignment between the sides of the tabs 28A and 30 and between the sides of the tabs 30A and 28. (The sides of the tabs are those regions adjacent the first cuts 24 and the second cuts 26.) Each tab has a free end which is that portion of the tab that forms part of the circumferential outer edge 16 c of the rim. The free end of each of the tabs 28 and 28A at the outer edge 16 c of the associated rim 16, 16A of the receptacles 10, and 10A is longer in length than the free end of the tabs 30 and 30A on receptacles 10, 10A. This means that each tab 28 or 28A forms flanges that extend laterally outwardly beyond the side edges of the associated tabs 30 or 30A that are arranged in an aligned pair with tabs 28 or 28A. These flanges are most readily seen in FIG. 7 and are identified by the reference character 32. Each flange 32 on tab 28 or 28A overlaps the flange 32 of tab 28A or 28 of an adjacent aligned pair of tabs (28A, 30 or 30A, 28). This overlapping engagement of the flanges 32 interlocks the alternating raised and lowered pairs of aligned tabs 28A, 30 and 30A, 28 to one another. The overlapping flanges 32 tend to resist movement of the alternating pairs of aligned tabs in the opposite direction to the way they were first moved. For example, if tabs 30A, 28 are pushed upwardly in the direction “D” as shown in FIG. 7, then the flanges 32 on the first tab 28 of the pair of aligned tabs 30A, 28 overlap the flanges 32 on the tabs 28A of the adjacent pair of aligned tabs 28A, 30 and resist movement of the aligned tabs 30A, 28 in the direction “C”. A similar thing occurs with the flanges 32 on the first tabs 28A overlapping the flanges 32 on the first tabs 28.

FIG. 8 shows plate 10 and second plate 10A interlocked with one another by the alternating raised and lowered aligned pairs of tabs 28A, 30B and 30A, 28B. The receptacles 10, 10A thereby form a closed container 50 that may be used to transport food 20 from a first location to a second location.

If at a later time the person wishes to access food 20 within container 50, he or she will simply push the aligned pairs of tabs 28A, 30 and 30A, 28 back to their original position, moving them in the opposite direction from how they were interlocked with one another. Second plate 10A is then lifted off plate 10 and the person can then access the food.

It will be understood that while receptacles 10, 10A are illustrated herein with the rim 16 and thereby the tabs 28, 30 being substantially planar and aligned along imaginary plane “A” (as shown in FIG. 2), in other instances, rim 16 may be configured such that the entire rim or at least the portion thereof that forms tabs 28, 30 is inclined at an angle to imaginary plane “A”. In one embodiment, the entire rim 16 or at least the portion that forms tabs 28, 30 may angle upwardly away from imaginary plane “A”. In another embodiment, the entire rim or at least the portion that forms tabs 28, 30 may angled downwardly away from imaginary plane “A”.

Additionally, it will be understood that while receptacles 10, 10A are illustrated herein with the rim 16 and thereby the tabs 28, 30 being substantially planar and aligned along imaginary plane “A” (as shown in FIG. 2), in other instances, rim 16 may be molded to be slightly curved in configuration, particularly, convexly curved when viewed from an aspect similar to FIG. 2. If rim 16 is fabricated to be arcuate, then tabs 28, 30 may also be arcuate in configuration. In other embodiments, the rim 16 may be arcuate except for the region where tabs 28, 30 are formed. That region of rim 16 which forms tabs 28, 30 may be configured to be substantially planar. In yet other embodiments, the rim except for the region that forms tabs 28, 30 may be substantially planar but region that forms tabs 28, 30 may be curved such that the tabs 28, 30 are arcuate in configuration when viewed the receptacle is viewed from the side in a similar aspect to that shown in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 12, there is shown a second embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with the present disclosure, generally indicated at 110. Plate 110 is substantially identical to plate 10 except for certain features that will be discussed later herein.

Plate 110 comprises a generally circular body when viewed from above and includes a bottom wall 112 with an upper surface 112 a and an opposed lower surface 112 b (FIG. 10). Bottom wall 112 has an outer perimeter 112 c and defines a center point “CP” about which the perimeter 112 c is concentric.

A side wall 114 extends upwardly and outwardly away from the outer perimeter 112 c of bottom wall 112. Side wall 114 has an inner surface 114 a and an outer surface 114 b (FIG. 10). Inner surface 114 a is substantially continuous with upper surface 112 a of bottom wall 112 and is oriented at an angle α relative to upper surface 112 a of bottom wall 112, as is best seen in FIG. 9. Peripheral wall 114 has an outer perimeter 114 c that is concentric with outer perimeter 112 c of bottom wall 112.

A rim 116 extends outwardly away from outer perimeter 114 c of side wall 114. Rim 116 is oriented substantially parallel to bottom wall 112 and is oriented at an angle β relative to side wall 114. Rim 116 has an upper surface 116 a and a lower surface 116 b (FIG. 10) and terminates in an outer edge 116 c. Rim 116 is concentric with outer perimeter 112 c of bottom wall 112. It should be understood that in an initial position, shown in FIG. 9, rim 116 is oriented along an imaginary plane in a substantially similar manner to rim 16 of plate 10 being oriented along imaginary plane “A”.

Bottom wall 112 and side wall 114 bound and define an interior region 118 that is capable of holding a quantity of food 20, such as is illustrated in FIG. 4.

A plurality of cuts is made in rim 116. In particular, a series of first cuts 124 and a series of second cuts 126 are made in rim 116. Each first cut 124 originates in outer edge 116 c and extends inwardly at a first angle from outer edge 116 c and towards outer perimeter 114 c of side wall 114. Each first cut 124 does not extend all the way to outer perimeter 114 c but instead terminates a distance away from outer perimeter 114 c. First cuts 124 are all oriented at the same first angle relative to outer edge 116 c and the first cuts 124 are spaced at regular intervals away from each other around the annular rim 116.

Each second cut 126 originates in outer edge 116 c and extends inwardly at a second angle from outer edge 116 c and towards outer perimeter 114 c of side wall 114. Each second cut 126 does not extend all the way to outer perimeter 114 c but instead terminates a distance away from outer perimeter 114 c. Second cuts 126 are all oriented at the same second angle relative to outer edge 116 c and the second cuts 126 are spaced at regular intervals away from each other around the annular rim 116. As will be evident from FIG. 1, each second cut 126 is interposed between two adjacent first cuts 124. The alternating differently-angled first cuts 124 and second cuts 126 circumscribe bottom wall 112.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a plurality of tabs is defined around the rim 116. Each of these tabs is selectively movable out of the imaginary plane along which rim 116 extends, i.e., the imaginary plane that is substantially similar to imaginary plane “A” of FIG. 2, as will be described later herein. In particular, the plurality of tabs includes a plurality of first tabs 128 and a plurality of second tabs 130. Each first tab 128 comprises a region of rim 116 that extends between a first cut 124 and a second cut 126. In other words the first tab 128 comprises a region of the rim located between a first cut 124 and a second cut 126, where the first and second cuts flare outwardly away from each other moving in a direction away from the perimeter 114 c and towards the outer edge 116 c of rim 116. Each second tab 130 comprises a region of rim 116 located between a first cut 124 and a second cut 126, where the first and second cuts taper inwardly towards each other moving in the direction away from the perimeter 114 c and towards the outer edge 116 c of rim 116. As is most evident from FIG. 9, the first tabs 128 and second tabs 130 alternate with each other moving around rim 116. First tabs 128 are configured in a substantially identical manner to first tabs 28 and are operated in the same manner as first tabs 28. Similarly, second tabs 130 are configured in a substantially identical manner to second tabs 30 and are operated in the same manner as second tabs 30.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, plate 110 differs from plate 10 in that the body of the receptacle is selectively foldable about a folding axis 122. The configuration of plate 110 is particularly suitable for moldable materials such as thin pulp, foam, or plastic as these materials lend themselves to being capable of being folded. Thicker or more rigid materials will be less suitable for the fabrication of plate 110. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the folding axis 122 is in the form of a fold line or a line of weakness that is provided in bottom wall 112, side wall 114, and rim 116. The folding axis 122 passes through at least the bottom wall 112 of plate 110. The folding axis 122 effectively divides the plate 110 into a first part and a second part that are able to be folded relative to one another to form a container as will be discussed later herein. The folding axis 122 may be located anywhere in bottom wall 112 that enables the folding of the receptacle to form a container. In one embodiment, as illustrated in the attached figures, folding axis 122 extends along a diameter of the circular bottom wall 112 and passes through the center point “CP” of plate 110. In this embodiment, the folding axis 122 divides the plate 110 into a first half and a second half, as will be discussed hereafter. It should be understood that in other embodiment the folding axis 122 may be located elsewhere on bottom wall 112 other than passing through center point “CP”.

The folding axis 122 may be formed as a portion of the material used to fabricate plate 110 that is slightly thinner than the rest of the receptacle material. Alternatively, the folding axis 122 may be a fold-line that is formed in the material of the plate 110. Still further, the folding axis 122 may be a series of perforations that extend at least partially or all the way through the material from the interior surface 112 a, 114 a, 116 a, of plate 110 through to exterior surface 112 b, 114 b, 116 b thereof. Folding axis 122 divides plate 110 into a first half 110A and a second half 110B (FIGS. 9 and 10) and allows the plate 110 to be folded into a position where the first half 110A and second half 110B are located vertically one above the other. In this folding, one of the two halves 110A, 110B becomes inverted, being rotated through 180 degrees relative to its initial position. Plate 110 may also be unfolded from the folded position, as will be further described later herein.

Plate 110 differs from plate 10 in how the receptacle is formed into a container 150 (FIG. 11) for transporting or storing food 20. As best seen in FIG. 10, food 20 is first moved to the upper surface 112 a of the bottom wall 112 of the second half 110B of plate 110. The second half 110B is then folded along folding axis 122 as indicated by the arrow “C” in FIG. 10. The second half 110B is moved from a first position where the bottom wall 112 of plate 110 all lays in a same plane to a second position where part of the bottom wall 112 is located in a parallel plane to another part of the bottom wall 112. Second half 110B pivots about the folding axis 122 relative to first half 110A and until second half 110B is in a position where a portion of the rim 116 a on second half 110B is in abutting contact with a portion of the rim 116 a on the first half 110A.

The first tabs and second tabs on the first half 110 are identified in FIGS. 9 and 10 the reference characters 128A and 130A for ease of identification in the figures. Additionally, the first tabs and second tabs on the second half 110B are identified in FIGS. 9 and 10 by the reference characters 128B and 130B. When second half 110B is folded over onto first half 110A, the first tabs 128B on the second half 110B will overlay the second tabs 130A on the first half 110A. Additionally, the first tabs 13B on the second half 110B will overlay the first tabs 128A on the first half 110A. The aligned first and second tabs 128B, 130A and 130B, 128A are then selectively movable to interlock the first half 110A and second half 11B together in a same manner as has been described with reference to the plate 10 and second plate 10A discussed earlier herein.

When each first tab 128B of second half 110B is generally aligned with an associated second tab 130A of first half 110A and each second tab 130B is generally aligned with an associated first tab 128A, then the aligned pairs of tabs 128B, 130A and 130B, 128A are pivoted relative to imaginary plane “A”. All aligned pairs of tabs 128B, 130A, for example, are pivoted downwardly in a direction “C” (FIG. 12) and all aligned pairs of tabs 130B, 128A are pivoted upwardly in a direction “D”.

Since the first cuts 124 and second cuts 126 on both of the first half 110A and second half 110B are oriented in opposite directions to each other, there is not perfect alignment between the tabs 128B and 130A and between the tabs 130B and 128A. In particular, the free end of the tabs 128A and 128B at the outer edge 116 c of the associated portion of rim 116 is longer than the free end of the tabs 130A and 130B. This means that each tab 128A or 128B has flanges that extend laterally outwardly beyond the side edges of the associated tabs 130A or 130B. These flanges are visible in FIG. 12 and are identified by the reference character 132. Each flange 132 overlaps the adjacent aligned pair of tabs and thereby interlocks the alternating raised and lowered pairs of aligned tabs 128B, 130A and 130B, 128A to one another. The flanges 132 tend to resist movement of the alternating pairs of aligned tabs in the opposite direction to the way they were first moved. For example, if tabs 130B, 128B are initially pushed upwardly in the direction “D” as shown in FIG. 12, then the flanges 132 on the first tab 128A of the aligned tabs 130B, 128A overlap the flanges 132 on the first tabs 128B of the adjacent pairs of tabs 128B, 130A and resist movement of the aligned tabs 130B, 128A in the direction “C”. A similar thing occurs with the flanges 132 on the first tabs 128B overlapping the flanges 132 on the first tabs 128A.

FIG. 11 shows first half 110A and second half 110B of plate 110 interlocked with one another by the alternating raised and lowered aligned pairs of tabs 128B, 130A and 130B, 128A. The interlocked first half 110A and second half 110B thereby form a closed container 150 that may be used to transport food 20 from a first location to a second location.

It will be understood that plate 110 is configured so that when it is folded, the respective first and second tabs 128, 130 will automatically align correctly with one another for interlocking engagements when the plate 110 is to be utilized to form container 150. It will, of course, be understood that plate 110 can be utilized in a substantially identical manner as plate 10. Even if the plate 110 has the folding axis 122, the plate 110 can be used in conjunction with another receptacle (either 10 or 110) in the same manner as described with respect to plate 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 there is shown a third embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with the present disclosure, generally indicated at 210. Plate 210 is substantially identical to plate 10 or plate 110 except for certain specific differences which will be discussed hereafter. plate 210 comprises a generally circular body when viewed from above and includes a bottom wall 212 with an upper surface 212 a and an opposed lower surface 212 b (FIG. 14). Bottom wall 212 has an outer perimeter 212 c and defines a center point “CP” about which the perimeter 212 c is concentric. Bottom wall 212 differs from bottom wall 12 and bottom wall 112 in that it includes a divider 212 d that extends upwardly beyond upper surface 212 a and separates the plate 210 into a first compartment 210A and a second compartment 210B. As best seen in FIG. 14, the divider 212 d is comprised of an inverted V-shaped fold. A first region 212 d′ of the fold 212 d is integral with the portion of the bottom wall 212 in the first compartment 210A of plate 210. A second region 212 d″ (FIG. 14) of the fold 212 d is integral with the portion of the bottom wall 212 in the second compartment 210B. First region 212 d′ and second region 212 d″ are integral with one another and meet at a ridge 212 e. FIG. 14 shows that a gap 212 f is defined between the portions of first region 212 d′ and second region 212 d″ remote from the ridge 212 e.

A side wall 214 extends upwardly and outwardly away from the outer perimeter 212 c of bottom wall 212. Side wall 214 has an inner surface 214 a and an outer surface 214 b. Inner surface 214 a is substantially continuous with parts of upper surface 212 a of bottom wall 212 and is oriented at an angle α relative to upper surface 212 a of bottom wall 212, as is best seen in FIG. 13. Peripheral wall 214 has an outer perimeter 214 c that is concentric with outer perimeter 212 c of bottom wall 212. FIG. 13 illustrates that the divider 212 d extends along a diameter of the generally circular bottom wall 212. Divider 212 d has a first end that terminates in a first area of the interior surface of side wall 214. Divider 212 d has a second end that terminates in an opposed second area of the side wall 214. Divider 212 d is of a height (i.e., distance from upper surface in a direction moving up the side wall 214) that is substantially equivalent to the overall height of side wall 214. As a result, side wall 214 effectively has an inverted V-shaped fold in the first area and in the opposed second area of the side wall 214. This is apparent from FIG. 14.

A rim 216 extends outwardly away from outer perimeter 214 c of side wall 214. Rim 216 is oriented substantially parallel to upper surface 212 a of bottom wall 212 and is oriented at an angle β (FIG. 13) relative to side wall 214. Rim 216 has an upper surface 216 a and a lower surface 216 b and terminates in an outer edge 216 c. Rim 216 is concentric with outer perimeter 214 c of side wall 214. As best seen in FIG. 2, rim 216 is oriented along an imaginary plane “A”. As is evident from FIGS. 13 and 14, the inverted V-shaped fold does not extend into rim 216.

The first compartment 210A defines a first interior region 218A and the second compartment 210B defines a second interior region 218B. When plate 210 is used as a regular receptacle at a picnic, for example, different foods (not shown but similar to food 20 (FIG. 4) can be held in the first interior region 218A and in the second interior region 218B, if that is desired.

Substantially identically to receptacles 10 and 110, plate 210 defines a plurality of cuts made in rim 216. In particular, a series of first cuts 224 and a series of second cuts 226 are made in rim 216. Each first cut 224 originates in outer edge 216 c and extends inwardly at a first angle from outer edge 216 c and towards outer perimeter 214 c of side wall 214. Each first cut 224 does not extend all the way to outer perimeter 214 c but instead terminates a distance away from outer perimeter 214 c. First cuts 224 are all oriented at the same first angle relative to outer edge 216 c and the first cuts 224 are spaced at regular intervals away from each other around the annular rim 216.

Each second cut 226 originates in outer edge 216 c and extends inwardly at a second angle from outer edge 216 c and towards outer perimeter 214 c of side wall 214. Each second cut 226 does not extend all the way to outer perimeter 214 c but instead terminates a distance away from outer perimeter 214 c. Second cuts 226 are all oriented at the same second angle relative to outer edge 216 c and the second cuts 226 are spaced at regular intervals away from each other around the annular rim 216. As will be evident from FIG. 13, each second cut 226 is interposed between two adjacent first cuts 224. The alternating differently-angled first cuts 224 and second cuts 226 circumscribe bottom wall 212.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a plurality of tabs is defined around the rim 216. Each of these tabs is selectively movable out of the imaginary plane “A”, in a similar manner as to what has been described with respect to tabs 28 and 30 of plate 10 or tabs 28 and 30 of plate 110. In particular, in plate 210 the plurality of tabs includes a plurality of first tabs 228 and a plurality of second tabs 230. The tabs 228 and 230 function in exactly the same manner as has been described previously herein.

It will be understood that plate 210 is designed to carry food 20 thereon. If after eating some of the food (which is held in one or both of the first compartment 218A or second compartment 218B, the user wishes to transport leftovers to another location, then he or she will move all of the food to one of the first compartment 218A in the first half 210A or the second compartment 218B in second half 210B. The half of the plate 210 that has the empty compartment, e.g. first compartment 218A is then pivoted in the direction “F” (FIG. 14) about an axis extending along ridge 212 e to invert the first half 210A over the second half 210B. When fully inverted, the rim 216 of the first half 210A will overlay and abut the rim 216 of second half 210B.

First and second halves 210A and 210B are then interlocked with one another as has been previously described herein, i.e., by pushing alternating pairs of aligned tabs either upwardly or downwardly as needed to secure the rim 216 of first half 210A to the rim 216 of second half 210B. This interlocking engagement of the pairs of aligned tabs has been discussed herein and therefore will not be described in any further detail. When the container has been formed by interlocking first half 210A and second half 210B to one another, the user may transport the leftover food 20 in the chamber formed by combining first compartment 218A and second compartment 218B.

Referring now to FIG. 15 there is shown a fourth embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with the present disclosure, generally indicated at 310. Plate 310 includes a bottom wall 312, a side wall 314, and a rim 316. Bottom wall 312 is substantially identical to bottom wall 12 of plate 10. Side wall 314 is substantially identical to side wall 14 of plate 10. As a consequence, neither the bottom wall 312 nor the side wall 314 will be discussed in any further detail herein. Plate 310 further includes rim 316 that extends radially outwardly from an upper perimeter 314 c of side wall 314. Rim 316 differs from rim 16, rim 116, and rim 216 in that the rim includes a plurality of tabs 334 that extend radially outwardly from a portion of rim 316 that circumscribes upper perimeter 314 c of side wall 314. Adjacent tabs 334 are separated from each other by a gap 336. As a consequence, tabs 334 are located at circumferentially-spaced regular intervals from one another. Furthermore, gaps 336 are located at circumferentially spaced regular intervals from one another. Each tab 334 has a free end 334 a and a pair of sides that taper inwardly from free end 334 a towards side wall 314.

In one exemplary embodiment, tabs 334 may be die-cut in a factory during fabrication of plate 310. In this exemplary embodiment, plate 310 will immediately have the configuration shown in FIG. 15. In another exemplary embodiment, plate 310 may be fabricated to initially be arranged in an identical manner to plate 10. That plate 10 is modified in the factory to different in the following regards to the receptacle shown in FIGS. 1-8. In the modified plate 10, instead of forming the series of first cuts 24 and the series of second cuts 26, the cuts 24, 26 will be formed as lines of weakness instead of actual cuts. Furthermore, an additional folding axis may be formed along the axis “B1” (FIG. 1) about which the tabs 30 of plate 10 are able to pivot. When a user wish to form a container with the modified receptacle, he or she may simply tear away the tabs 30 along the three lines of weakness and discard the removed tabs 30. The remaining tabs 28 of the modified plate 10 will then be the tabs 334 of plate 310.

When the user wishes to form a container for carrying food with plate 310 (whether originally die-cut or modified in the factory and then readied by the user), a second substantially identical receptacle will be used in conjunction with plate 310. The second receptacle will be inverted over the plate 310 in a similar fashion to plate 10A being inverted over plate 10 in FIG. 5. The second receptacle will be rotated about a longitudinal axis extending through the center point “CP” of the second receptacle so that the tabs on the second receptacle align with the gaps 336 on plate 310, and so that the tabs 334 on the plate 310 align with gaps (identical to gaps 336) on the second receptacle. The tabs 334 are then pushed through the aligned gaps 336 on the opposing receptacle. In other words, the tabs on the second receptacle are pushed downwardly into the gaps 336 defined in the plate 310, and the tabs 334 on the plate 310 are pushed upwardly into the gaps defined in the second receptacle. This arrangement secures the plate 310 and the identical second receptacle to one another, thereby creating a container similar to the container 50.

FIG. 16 shows a fifth embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with the present disclosure, generally indicated at 410. Plate 410 is substantially identical to plate 110 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 except for the specific differences which will be discussed further herein. Plate 410 comprises a generally circular body when viewed from above and includes a bottom wall 412 with an upper surface 412 a and an opposed lower surface similar to lower surface 12 b. Bottom wall 412 has an outer perimeter 412 c and defines a center point “CP” about which the perimeter 412 c is concentric.

A side wall 414 extends upwardly and outwardly away from the outer perimeter 412 c of bottom wall 412. Side wall 414 has an inner surface 414 a and an opposed outer surface similar to outer surface 14 b. Inner surface 414 a is substantially continuous with upper surface 412 a of bottom wall 412 and is oriented at an angle α (FIG. 16) relative to upper surface 412 a of bottom wall 412. Peripheral wall 414 has an outer perimeter 414 c that is concentric with outer perimeter 412 c of bottom wall 412.

A rim 416 extends outwardly away from outer perimeter 414 c of side wall 414. Rim 416 is oriented substantially parallel to bottom wall 412 and is oriented at an angle β (FIG. 16) relative to side wall 414. Rim 416 has an upper surface 416 a and an opposed lower surface similar to lower surface 16 b. Rim 416 terminates in an outer edge 416 c. Rim 416 is concentric with outer perimeter 412 c of bottom wall 412. Rim 416 may be oriented along an imaginary plane similar to plane “A” as shown in FIG. 2 “A”.

Bottom wall 412 and side wall 414 bound and define an interior region 418 that is capable of holding a quantity of food 20 therein, such as is illustrated in FIG. 4 with respect to plate 10.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, plate 410 differs from plate 10 in that a folding axis 422 is defined in at least the bottom wall 412 and side wall 414. The folding axis 422 extends along a diameter of the circular bottom wall 412 and passes through the center point “CP” thereof. The folding axis may be a portion of the material used to fabricate plate 410 that is slightly thinner than the rest of the receptacle material. Alternatively, the folding axis 422 may be a fold-line that is formed in the material of the plate 410. Still further, the folding axis 422 may be a series of perforations that extend at least partially or all the way through the material of plate 410 from the interior surface 412 a, 414 a, of plate 410 through to exterior surface thereof. Folding axis 422 effectively divides plate 410 into a first half 410A and a second half 410B.

A plurality of cuts is made in rim 416. In particular, a plurality of first cuts 424 and a plurality of second cuts 426 are made in rim 416. Each first cut 424 originates in outer edge 416 c and extends inwardly at a first angle from outer edge 416 c and towards outer perimeter 414 c of side wall 414. Each first cut 424 does not extend all the way to outer perimeter 414 c but instead terminates a distance away from outer perimeter 414 c. First cuts 424 are all oriented at the same first angle relative to outer edge 416 c. Similarly, each second cut 426 originates in outer edge 416 c and extends inwardly at a second angle from outer edge 416 c and towards outer perimeter 414 c of side wall 414. Each second cut 426 does not extend all the way to outer perimeter 414 c but instead terminates a distance away from outer perimeter 414 c. Second cuts 426 are all oriented at the same second angle relative to outer edge 416 c.

Plate 410 differs from plate 10 in that the number of first cuts 424 and second cuts 426 is substantially reduced relative to plate 10. Additionally, first cuts 424 are not spaced at regular intervals around the annular rim 416 in a same manner as the first cuts 24 are arranged in plate 10. Still further, the second cuts 426 are not spaced at regular intervals away from each other around the annular rim 416 in the same manner as the second cuts 26 of plate 10. Instead, a second cut 426 a originates in rim 416 at one end of the folding axis 422 and a second cut 426 b originates in rim 416 at an opposite end of the folding axis 422. These second cuts 426 a, 426 b essentially form extensions of the folding axis 422. First cuts 424 a, 424 b are formed on opposite sides of second cut 426 a. First cuts 424 a, 424 b are spaced a distance from second cut 426 a along rim 416. Similarly, first cuts 424 c, 424 d are formed on opposite sides of second cut 426 b and are spaced outwardly from second cut 426 b. As a result, a first tab 428 a is defined between first cut 424 a and second cut 426 a. Another first tab 428 b is defined between first cut 424 c and second cut 426 b. A second tab 430 a is defined between second cut 426 a and first cut 424 b. Another second tab 430 b is defined between second cut 426 b and first cut 424 d.

An imaginary line “G” is oriented at right angles to the folding axis 422 and passes through center point “CP”. A further first cut 424 e is formed on one side of this imaginary line “G” in first half 410A of plate 410 and a second cut 426 e is formed on the other side of the imaginary line “G” in first half 410A. Similarly another first cut 424 f and another and a second cut 426 f are formed on opposing sides of the imaginary line “G” in second half 410B. A first tab 428 c is defined between the first cut 424 e and second cut 426 e in the first half 410A of receptacle. A second tab 430 c is defined between the first cut 424 f and second cut 426 f in the second half 410B.

Plate 410 is formed into a container in a substantially similar manner to how plate 110 is formed into a container. In a first step any food located on upper surface 412 a of bottom wall 412 is moved either to a portion of the upper surface 412 a of the bottom wall 412 in the first half 410A of plate 410 or to a portion of upper surface 412 a of the bottom wall 412 in second half 410B of plate 410. So, for example, the food may be moved to the upper surface 412 a of bottom wall 412 of the first half 410A. The second half 410B of plate 410 is then folded about the folding axis 422 and to a position where the second half 410B is inverted and located vertically above first half 410A. This movement of second half 410B is similar to the folding of the plate 110 in the direction indicated by the arrow “E” in FIG. 10. In other words, the second half 410B of plate 410 is moved from a first position, where the entire bottom wall 412 of plate 410 lays in a same plane, to a second position where a first portion of the bottom wall 412 is located vertically above and generally parallel to a second portion of the bottom wall 412. When folded, the second half 410B of plate 410 pivots about the folding axis 422 relative to first half 410A and until second half 410B is in a position where a semi-circular portion of the rim 416 a of second half 410B is in abutting contact with a semi-circular portion of the rim 416 a of the first half 410A.

Once plate 410 has been folded in half, the first tab 428 a and second tab 430 a will be aligned with one another; the first tab 428 b and second tab 430 b will be aligned with one another; and the first tab 428 c and second tab 430 c will be aligned with one another. The aligned pairs of tabs 428 a, 430 a; 428 b, 430 b, and 428 c, 430 c are then pushed either upwardly or downwardly relative to an imaginary plane “A” (see FIG. 2) along which the rest of rim 416 extends. Moving the aligned pairs of tabs causes them to become angled relative to the rest of rim and this arrangement interlocks first half 410A of receptacle and second half 410B of receptacle to one another. If it is later desirable to access the food within the interior defined by the closed container formed by first half 410A and second half 410B, the aligned pairs of tabs 428 a, 430; 428 b, 430 b; and 428 c, 430 c are pushed in an opposite direction and back to their original position. Second half 410A may then be unfolded about folding axis 422 in an opposite direction so that all of bottom wall 412 again lays in the same plane.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a sixth embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated, generally indicated at 510. Plate 510 is substantially similar to plate 110 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 except for the specific differences which will be discussed further herein. Plate 510 comprises a generally circular body when viewed from above and includes a bottom wall 512 with an upper surface 512 a and an opposed lower surface similar to lower surface 12 b. Bottom wall 512 has an outer perimeter 512 c and defines a center point “CP” about which the perimeter 512 c is concentric.

A side wall 514 extends upwardly and outwardly away from the outer perimeter 512 c of bottom wall 512. Side wall 514 has an inner surface 514 a and an opposed outer surface similar to outer surface 14 b. Inner surface 514 a is substantially continuous with upper surface 512 a of bottom wall 512 and is oriented at an angle α relative to upper surface 512 a of bottom wall 512. Peripheral wall 514 has an outer perimeter 514 c that is concentric with outer perimeter 512 c of bottom wall 512.

A rim 516 extends outwardly away from outer perimeter 514 c of side wall 514. Rim 516 is oriented substantially parallel to bottom wall 512 and is oriented at an angle β relative to side wall 514. Rim 516 has an upper surface 516 a and an opposed lower surface similar to lower surface 16 b. Rim 516 terminates in an outer edge 516 c. Rim 516 is concentric with outer perimeter 512 c of bottom wall 512. Rim 516 may be oriented along an imaginary plane similar to plane “A” as shown in FIG. 2 “A”.

Bottom wall 512 and side wall 514 bound and define an interior region 518 that is capable of holding a quantity of food 20 therein, such as is illustrated in FIG. 4 with respect to plate 10.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, plate 510 differs from plate 10 in that a folding axis 522 is defined in the bottom wall 512, side wall 514, and rim 516. The folding axis 522 extends along a diameter of the circular bottom wall 512 and passes through the center point “CP” thereof. The folding axis may be a portion of the material used to fabricate plate 510 that is slightly thinner than the rest of the receptacle material. Alternatively, the folding axis 522 may be a fold-line that is formed in the material of the plate 510. Still further, the folding axis 522 may be a series of perforations that extend at least partially or all the way through the material of plate 510 from the interior surface 512 a, 514 a, 516 a of plate 510 through to exterior surface thereof. Folding axis 522 effectively divides plate 510 into a first half 510A and a second half 510B.

Plate 510 differs from all of receptacles 10, 110, 210, 310, and 410 in the configuration of the locking members provided therein. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, several indentations 552 are cut into rim 516 leaving a plurality of flanges 554 and wings 556 forming the part of rim 516 that extends radially outwardly from outer perimeter 514 c of side wall 514. Each indentation 552 is generally U-shaped but the sides of the flanges 554 and/or wings 556 that bound and define the indentations 552 are convexly-curved. This results in two small “V-shaped” notches being formed in rim 516 on either side of each indentation 552. One of the indentations 552 in FIG. 17 has the indentations called out and numbered as 552 a. The flanges 554 are larger than the wings 556. Each flange 554 is generally U-shaped and projects outwardly from proximate outer perimeter 514 c of side wall 514. The outer edge 554 a of each flange forms part of the outer edge 516 c of rim 516.

Each indentation 552 has a flange 554 on one side and a flange 556 on the other side. Each flange 554 is flanked by two indentations 552. Each wing 556 is flanked by two indentations 552. An indentation 552A originates proximate a first end of the folding axis 522 and moving circumferentially upwardly from indentation 552A there is a flange 554A, then an indentation 552B, then a wing 556A, then an indentation 552C, then a flange 554B, then an indentation 552D, then a wing 556B. The wing 556B terminates at the second end of the folding axis 522. The wing 556B is located directly opposite the indentation 552A along the folding axis 522. Moving circumferentially in the opposite direction from the first end of the folding axis 522, a wing 556C is located between indentation 552A and another indentation 552E, then a flange 554C is provided, then another indentation 552F, then a wing 556D, then an indentation 552G, then a flange 554D, and finally an indentation 552H that is located adjacent wing 556B. It will be evident that indentation 552A is diametrically opposite indentation 552H; wing 556C is diametrically opposite wing 556B; flange 554A is diametrically opposite flange 554D, etc.

When a user desires to make a closed container for a quantity of food, plate 510 will be folded in a similar manner to receptacles 110 and 410. In particular, one or the other of first half 510A and second half 510B will be folded about the folding axis 522 such that the two halves 510A, 510B are vertically aligned with one another and portions of the upper surface 516 of the rim 516 on the two halves 510A, 510B abut one another. Once plate 510 is folded in this manner, each wing 556 will then be vertically aligned with one of the indentations. For example, wing 556A is vertically aligned with indentation 552F, wing 556B is vertically aligned with indentation 552H, wing 556C is vertically aligned with indentation 552A, and wing 556D is vertically aligned with indentation 552C. The upper surfaces 516 a of the diametrically opposed flanges 554A, 554D and 554B, 554C abut each other.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, wings 556 are then pushed either upwardly or downwardly through the associated indentation 552 with which they are vertically aligned. So, for example, if first half 510A overlays second half 510B of receptacle, wing 556C will be pushed downwardly through indentation 552A. Wing 556B will be pushed upwardly through indentation 552H; wing 556D will be pushed downwardly through indentation 556C, and wing 556A will be pushed upwardly through indentation 552F. Pushing the wings 556 upwardly or downwardly through the associated indentation 552 causes the wings 556 to become angled relative to the imaginary plane (similar to plane “A” in FIG. 2) that extends along the upper surface 516 a of rim 516. This angling of the various wings 556 relative to the imaginary plane causes the convexly-curved sides of the wings 556 that bound the indentations to overlap the convexly-curved sides of the adjacent flanges, locking the first and second halves 510A, and 510B together.

When it is later desired to eat the food retained within the closed container formed by plate 510, wings 556 are pushed in the opposite direction until they are removed from the associated indentation. The top half of the plate 510 is then unfolded about folding axis 522 so that the entire bottom wall 512 is again in a single plane. The food may then be taken out of the compartment 518 and eaten.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a seventh embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, generally indicated at 610. Plate 610 is substantially identical to plate 10 except for specific differences which will be discussed further herein. Plate 610 has a bottom wall 612 with an upper surface 612 a, an opposed lower surface substantially identical to lower surface 12 b, and an outer perimeter 612 c. Outer perimeter 612 c is concentric about a center point “CP”.

Side wall 614 (FIG. 19) extends upwardly away from the outer perimeter 612 c of bottom wall 612. Side wall 614 has an inner surface 614 a and an opposed outer surface 614 b. Inner surface 614 a is substantially continuous with upper surface 612 a of bottom wall 612 and outer surface 614 b is substantially continuous with the lower surface of bottom wall 612. Peripheral wall 614 has an outer perimeter 614 c that is concentric with outer perimeter 612 c of bottom wall 612 and thereby with center point “CP”. Side wall 614 is illustrated as being oriented at an angle α (FIG. 19) relative to upper surface 612 a of bottom wall 612.

Rim 616 extends laterally outwardly away from outer perimeter 614 c of side wall 614. Similar to rim 16 shown in FIG. 2, rim 616 is oriented substantially parallel to bottom wall 612 and extends along an imaginary plane “A”. Rim 616 is oriented at an angle β (FIG. 19) relative to side wall 614. Rim 616 has an upper surface 616 a and an opposed lower surface (not shown but similar to lower surface 16 b). Rim terminates in an outer edge 616 c. Rim 616 is concentric with outer perimeter 614 c of side wall 614 and therefore is also concentric with outer perimeter 612 c of bottom wall 612 center point “CP”. Bottom wall 612 and side wall 614 bound and define an interior region 618 that is capable of holding a quantity of food thereon, such as food 20 shown in FIG. 4.

Plate 610 differs from plate 10 in that there are no cuts made into the rim 616 that are similar to the first cuts 24 and second cuts 26 made in the rim 16 of plate 10. Plate 610 further differs from plate 10 in that a plurality of tabs 658 extend radially outwardly beyond the outer edge 616 c of rim 616. The tabs 658 are generally C-shaped, having an arcuate outer edge 658 a that originates and terminates in outer edge 616 c of rim 616. Tabs 658 are spaced at regular intervals around the circumference of outer edge 616 c of rim 616. Adjacent tabs 658 are separated from each other by a space 660. The spaces 660 are located at regular intervals from each outer about the circumference of outer edge 616 c of rim 616.

In accordance with an aspect of plate 610, each tab 658 is illustrated as being oriented at an angle Ω relative to upper surface 616 a of rim 616. Angle Ω, as illustrated, is an obtuse angle (i.e., greater than 90 degrees). Because of this, tabs 658 flare upwardly and outwardly away from rim 616. It will be understood that in other embodiments, tabs 658 may be aligned along a common plane (similar to plane “A”) with the rest of rim 616.

Plate 610 may be formed into a container by utilizing a second identical plate 610A in a similar manner to the way plate 10 and plate 10A together form container 50. The second plate 610A is inverted to a position directly vertically over plate 610 such that the rims 616 of the two receptacles 610, 610A are vertically aligned with one another. The inverted plate 610A is rotated about a longitudinal axis passing through the aligned center points “CP” so that the tabs 658A on the upper plate 610A are aligned with the spaces 660 (FIG. 19) on the lower plate 610, and so that the tabs 658 on the lower plate 610 are aligned with the spaces (not numbered but similar to spaces 660) of the upper plate 610A. The upper plate 610A is moved downwardly until the tabs 658, 658A of the two receptacles are moved into the spaces 660 of the other receptacle and such that the tabs 658, 658A of the upper and lower receptacles 610A, 610 interlock with one another. These steps are reversed if it is later desired to open the container formed by the two interlocking receptacles 610. It will be understood that tabs 658, 658A are slightly larger than the spaces 660 through which they are received and the overlapped areas of the interlocked tabs 658, 658A helps to ensure the two receptacles 610, 610A are not accidentally disengageable from each other.

It will be understood that each embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with the present application which has been disclosed herein is configured so that a plurality of the identical receptacles are configured to nest one within the other and may readily and easily be stacked one on top of another to form a stack of receptacles.

It will be understood that all embodiments of the receptacles disclosed herein which include a folding axis may be used in a similar manner as plate 10 to form a container, i.e., by engaging two receptacles together. In other words, the receptacles with the folding axis are able to be used in conjunction with another substantially identical receptacle to form a larger container. In this instances, neither of the two receptacles will be folded but will be kept in their unfolded conditions. Alternatively, the receptacles with the folding axis can be folded to form a smaller container on their own.

It will further be understood that all embodiments of the receptacles disclosed herein will have a placement and arrangement of tabs and spaces that is suitable for two identical receptacles to be interlocked with each other to form a larger container. The embodiments of the receptacles that include a folding axis will have a placement and arrangement of the tabs and spaces that is suitable for these types of receptacles to be used in conjunction with another substantially identical receptacle to form an interlocked larger container. At the same time, the placement and arrangement of the tabs and spaces provided on the rim of the foldable embodiments of the receptacle is suitable for enabling that receptacle to be folded in half to form a closable smaller container.

Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.

If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 

What is claimed:
 1. A receptacle comprising: a bottom wall; a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall; a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper region of the side wall and oriented along an imaginary plane; at least locking member integrally formed with the rim; wherein the at least one locking member is selectively deflectable relative to the imaginary plane.
 2. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member extends radially outwardly from the side wall.
 3. The receptacle according to claim 2, wherein the least one locking member is selectively deflectable about an axis oriented at right angles relative to a radius extending outwardly from a center point of the bottom wall.
 4. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the at least one locking member is initially aligned with an upper surface of a remaining portion of the rim and is selectively deflectable upwardly or downwardly at an angle relative to the upper surface of the remaining portion of the rim.
 5. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member is deflectable from a first position wherein the at least one locking member is aligned with a remaining portion of the rim to a second position wherein the at least one locking member is located in a different plane relative to the remaining portion of the rim.
 6. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the rim has a circumferential outer edge that circumscribes the upper region of the side wall, and wherein the at least one locking member is located inwardly of the circumferential outer edge.
 7. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the rim has a circumferential outer edge that circumscribes the upper region of the side wall, and wherein the at least one locking member extends radially outwardly away from the circumferential outer edge of the rim.
 8. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a tab that is formed as an integral part of the rim, and the tab has a first side edge, a second side edge, and a free end extending between the first and second side edges; and wherein the free end forms part of a circumferential outer edge of the rim.
 9. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member comprises: a first tab having a first side edge and a second side edge that flare outwardly away from one another moving in a direction radially outwardly away from a center point of the bottom wall; and a second tab having a first side edge and a second side edge that taper inwardly towards one another moving in a direction radially outwardly away from the center point of the bottom wall.
 10. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the at least locking member comprises a first tab and a second tab integrally formed in the rim, wherein the first tab and second tab are of different configurations relative to one another.
 11. The receptacle according to claim 10, wherein deflecting the first tab creates a first space in the rim, and the second tab is sized to be receivable through the first space.
 12. The receptacle according to claim 11, wherein deflecting the second tab creates a second space in the rim, and the first tab is sized to be receivable through the second space.
 13. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a plurality of tabs; and wherein a space is defined in the rim between adjacent tabs of the plurality of tabs.
 14. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is foldable about a folding axis that extends through a center point of the bottom wall.
 15. The receptacle according to claim 14, wherein the at least one locking member is receivable through a complementary space defined in the rim when the receptacle is folded about the folding axis.
 16. A container for holding an article, said container comprising: a first receptacle and a second receptacle that are substantially identical in configuration, wherein each of the first receptacle and the second receptacle includes: a bottom wall; a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall; a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper region of the side wall and oriented along an imaginary plane; at least locking member integrally formed with the rim; at least one space defined in the rim; wherein the at least one locking member is selectively deflectable relative to the imaginary plane; and wherein the second receptacle is inverted relative to the first receptacle such that the rim of the first receptacle is adjacent the rim of the second receptacle; and wherein the at least one locking member on the first receptacle is selectively deflected relative to the imaginary plane of the rim of the first receptacle and is received in the at least one space defined in the rim of the second receptacle, thereby reversibly interlocking the first receptacle and the second receptacle to one another.
 17. The container according to claim 16, wherein the at least one locking member on the first receptacle includes at least one flange that overlaps a portion of the rim of the second receptacle when the at least one locking member is received in the at least one space defined in the rim of the second receptacle.
 18. A method of forming a storage container, comprising steps of: providing a first receptacle and a second receptacle that are substantially identical, wherein each of the first receptacle and second receptacle includes: a bottom wall; a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall; a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper region of the side wall and oriented along an imaginary plane; at least locking member integrally formed with the rim; and at least one space defined in the rim; inverting the second receptacle over the first receptacle; placing a portion of the rim of the second receptacle adjacent the rim of the first receptacle; engaging the at least one locking member of the second receptacle into the at least one space of the first receptacle; reversibly interlocking the first receptacle and second receptacle to one another.
 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: providing a flange on the at least one locking member of the second receptacle; overlapping the flange of the at least one locking member of the second receptacle with a portion of the rim of the first receptacle; and preventing movement of the at least one locking member of the second receptacle back through the at least one space on the first receptacle with the flange.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the reversibly interlocking the first receptacle and second receptacle to one another further comprises: engaging the at least one locking member of the first receptacle into the at least one space of the second receptacle; providing a flange on the at least one locking member of the first receptacle; overlapping the flange of the at least one locking member of the first receptacle with a portion of the rim of the second receptacle; and preventing movement of the at least one locking member of the first receptacle back through the at least one space on the second receptacle with the flange. 